96% of churches surveyed offer Marriage and Family support
94% offer practical aid for People in Need
93% offer Personal Growth and Development assistance
92% are engaged in meaningful Community Service
87% extend their ministry through National and International Outreach
74% actively provide Recovery ministries
All too often the debate surrounding religion in public life centers on issues like allowing a nativity scene on public property or prayer around a public school flagpole. Yet, lost in this discussion is the critical truth that churches make a tremendous contribution to the lives of individuals, families and the greater community. That’s why the Oregon Family Council Education Foundation sponsored a research project called, The Good Neighbor Church in Society Survey. In March 2009, over 2000 churches received surveys. Of these, 352 churches from more than 50 denominational affiliations, and every corner of the state participated.
The goal of this research project was to help identify the many ways churches contribute to community life. Virtually every church in Oregon works to build healthier marriages, teach parenting skills and calls on their members to be people of integrity. Most churches provide food, clothing and financial assistance to families in need at the local level, and respond with sacrificial generosity during times of national or international crisis.
A growing number of churches offer recovery programs for those facing everything from addictions, anger, abuse or grief. Churches encourage prayer and respect for elected leaders, police, military and other public servants. They sponsor financial management classes, offer encouragement and guidance to those in prison and provide ESL classes to those not yet fluent in English.
Here is a brief overview of what we found:
96% of churches surveyed offer Marriage and Family support
94% offer practical aid for People in Need
93% offer Personal Growth and Development assistance
92% are engaged in meaningful Community Service
87% extend their ministry through National and International Outreach
74% actively provide Recovery ministries
Most importantly, churches help people begin and develop a life-changing relationship with God. And this is especially important because ultimately society is nothing more than a reflection of the individuals who make it up.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll post the data from each category that we surveyed, along with case studies of what specific churches are doing in their community. The results we found demonstrate that thousands of Oregonians, and people across the nation and world regularly benefit from the life-impacting ministry of our state’s local churches.
Want to see the complete survey results today? Visit Oregon Family Council.
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